She's already been named Macarthur volunteer of the year and now Kim Hill has another award to add to the cabinet.
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The Buxton RFS volunteer was this week awarded a NSW Community Service Award for her efforts coordinating donations during the devastating 2019/20 fire season, and her work spearheading a new firetruck playground at Telopea Park to honour the two firefighters who lost their lives at Buxton during the Green Wattle Greek blaze.
Ms Hill said she was very proud to receive the new award.
"It was such a big surprise, I had never even heard of the award before," she said.
"But I'm extremely proud and a little bit embarrassed. As any volunteer would tell you, we don't do it to get awards, we do it to help. But it's very lovely and I'm so grateful."
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Ms Hill said the playground was nearing completion and she was so excited to see it coming to fruition before her eyes.
The site will serve as a memorial to Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O'Dwyer from the Horsley Park RFS, who lost their lives at Buxton late last year when a tree fell in the path of their truck, causing it to roll over.
Their names will be featured on the play equipment and on a plaque at the playground.
Ms Hill said the park would be an emotional place for many reasons.
"Firstly it's emotional because the boys shouldn't have bad to lose their lives - we lost two amazing firefighters, and they left behind two beautiful young children," she said.
"It's also emotional because this is a way our community can give something back to their community and family. I think it's also built a friendship between Horsley Park RFS and Buxton RFS and we will always have that special connection now.
"I can't wait to see their kids' faces. I've recently spoken with both girls [Mel and Jess] and the kids are so excited - they've got their own RFS uniforms to wear.
"That's what it's all about to me - seeing the smile on their faces and giving something to the families that they can feel joyful about. This is a place they can always come and smile."
The final finishing touches are being put on the park. It is scheduled to be opened on December 5.
Ms Hill thanked Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith for presenting her the award on behalf of the NSW Government.
"Thank you to Nathaniel, to the Premier and to the community for their support of the Buxton RFS and all the people who have donated," she said.
